Searching for funding can feel like a full-time job. There are thousands of programs out there, each with their own criteria, deadlines, expectations. It can be tempting to apply for anything and everything, throwing darts at the funding board, and seeing what sticks. But the most successful organizations know that a more involved approach is the right way to go.
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Whether you’re looking for a seasonal grant or long-term funding, these are three key principles to help you focus your efforts and find funding that is right for your organization.
It might sound simple, but this is hugely important. Funders are going to want to support organizations aligning closely with their goals. Before applying, take a close look at their mission statements, past recipients, and focus areas. Ask yourself: do they support organizations like ours? Are we working towards similar outcomes?
For instance, if a foundation prioritizes climate action and your nonprofit is focused on environmental education, there could be a connection there. But if your focus is supporting local artists, and this funder has given four grants in a row to medical-focused orgs, it's likely that applying for funding here will not be the best use of your time. Seeking funding alignment will increase your chances of receiving funding, not only now, but in the future as well.
When in doubt, try contacting the funder to find out if your organization could be a good fit for their grant or foundation. Many will be happy to answer questions, and that conversation can provide you with insights into the fund/grant awarding process. Some will even have information sessions you can and should join before applying.
Some funding programs may have a very thorough, lengthy application process. Others may expect your organization to deliver services across a wide region or scale a program quickly. It’s important to be honest with yourself about what you and your team can reasonably take on.
Securing a large grant might sound fantastic, but if it comes with requirements that stretch your team too thin or pull you away from your core work, it can end up causing more stress than it would be worth. On the other hand, smaller or shorter-term funding can often be a better fit, especially if it helps you build a foundation for future growth.
Before applying, take stock of your team’s time, your administrative systems, and your financial health. If the program requires monthly financial reporting or third-party evaluations, are you set up to deliver that? If not, it’s okay to focus on funders who offer more flexible or capacity-building grants that align better with where your organization is right now.
One of the hardest parts of finding funding is knowing where to look. There are so many places to look that it’s easy to get lost in a sea of outdated websites, broken links, or opportunities that aren’t relevant to your organization. That’s where trusted directories can save you a lot of time and energy.
One of these tools is CharityVillage’s Funding Programs for Nonprofits Directory, which can help you navigate this process more easily. It’s a curated list of Canadian funding opportunities, including government grant programs, foundations, and corporate funders who support nonprofits and charities. The directory is designed to help organizations, from small, grassroots charities to large, international nonprofits quickly identify programs that might be a match. Explore the Funding Programs for Nonprofits Directory here.
The team at CharityVillage keep the directory updated regularly and welcome suggestions if you notice anything missing. You can email directly at marketing@charityvillage.com to request additions or updates. It’s a simple way to stay connected to current opportunities without spending hours digging through outdated or irrelevant listings.
Research, relationship-building, and timing are all key ingredients in the recipe for finding the right funding. By focusing on programs that align with your mission, match your capacity, and are found through legitimate sources, you can spend less time chasing the wrong leads and more time doing the work that matters most.
